CEAT IT - Laptop Recommendations
The School of Architecture has their own computer requirements:
Architecture computer recommendations
All other programs follow the computer requirements listed below.
Reviewed 8/25/2021
- Minimum
CPU Intel i5
RAM 8GBytes of memory
Hard Drive 500GB HDD or 256GB SSD
Screen 14 inch or larger
Graphics Graphics card with at least 2GB of video memory
It is recommended that you verify the video card is certified to work with:
AutoCAD on the AutoDesk website
and/or
SolidWorks on the SolidWorks websiteNetwork Wireless capability with 802.11 b/g/n or ac/n
Operating System Windows 7 x64 bit or Windows 8 x64 bit
(NOTE: Windows is required for MOST applications used within CEAT!)
- Preferred
CPU Intel i7
RAM 16GBytes of memory
Hard Drive 1TB HDD or 512GB SSD
Screen 15 inch or larger
Graphics Graphics card with at least 4GB of video memory
It is recommended that you verify the video card is certified to work with:
AutoCAD on the AutoDesk website
and/or
SolidWorks on the SolidWorks websiteNetwork Wireless capability with 802.11 b/g/n or ac/n
Operating System Windows 10 x64 bit
(NOTE: Windows is required for MOST applications used within CEAT!)
- Macs
Most CEAT software applications, particularly SolidWorks and AutoCAD, do not run natively on MacOS, so a student must run Windows on their Mac to use our software. This has typically been done by repartitioning the hard drive and installing windows (aka, "Bootcamp) or using virtualization software such as Parallels.
However, Bootcamp will no longer work with M1 Mac computers. The new Apple M1 ARM chip does not support Bootcamp and Apple has no plans to offer that support in the future. Bootcamp is effectively discontinued.
CEAT students can purchase laptops that meet the minimum and preferred specs from any vendor. Below are two optional vendors that sell laptops that meet these specifications.
The minimum specs will not be suitable for students in programs using Solidworks, AutoCAD, or AutoSPRINK. If you have questions about the software your program will use, please reach out to your programs main office.
Laptop Checkout Agreement
Computing Classroom Schedules & Software
Engineering North 019
36 SEATS
Automation Studio
On Screen Takeoff
Polymath
Aspen Plus and HYSYS